Biography

“Using oil paint gives me better control of the finality of the piece, and by default allows for great mishaps. I don’t want total control of the medium just enough to get a three dimensional message across on a two dimensional surface. A transcending moment fostering enjoyment. I would never want to be completely convinced with what I’m doing with the paint; otherwise there would be nothing left for me to look forward to….

I always try to use a palette that best communicates depth in a painting, never using the same color in both the background and foreground. Combined with the importance I find in facial reaction or the gesture of the body I hope to create a final picture of stopped motion that I can see in rewind and fast forward through my minds eye.

This is achieved through a 3 stage process. Within the past year I have taken to including a finished abstract under painting or (landscape). The second stage consists of an intentional rough overcoat of human form and gesture while continually deciding which forms and colors will show through. The third stage begins to give clarity to the figure in the painting. The last stage will take weeks if not months of deliberation as I work on at least 3-4 pieces at a time.

Expressed with subtlety through layers of paint and color, a sort of shyness helps us to see the main character revealed in the painting as a hero. Discernible to the viewer, the figure becomes the most complicated machine on the planet. From the reaction, expressions, and movements it is possible to understand their physical and emotional destination. The viewer is tempted to look more than once, recognizing something new with each glimpse. A story for their creative fantasy is conceived.”

Painters Francis Bacon, Vachagan Narazyan, Wayne Thiebaud, and Richard Diebenkorn are the most influential to my paintings and process. A Life in college athletics and my time spent living and working in the great American cities of Seattle, Denver, and New Orleans combine to influence the action and color palette I use in my work today.

Current representation at: Gallery Orange, Royal street. New Orleans LA.